Hosted by the Waihora Pony Club and run on their grounds at the weekend, the cross-country also took in part of the Motukarara racecourse.

Just 21 teams started in the event this year, down from previous competitions. Springston Trophy is the largest pony club teams event in the Southern Hemisphere.

View Hill Red led from the dressage phase with 127.37, but were overtaken on the cross-country by Amberley White, which ultimately finished second. Eyreton, winners in 2010, were just behind these two teams in all three phases, finishing third overall.

Halswell was fourth, just ahead of the Amberley Red team.

In the Wooden Spoon competition – for teams who didn’t complete the cross-country – the composite team from Otipua/Waimea/Greymouth won from Mosgiel, with a composite North Otago team third, and the Clyde/Southern composite team fourth.